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Can a Classe SSP replace a dedicated stereo pre?

Hi everyone! I appreciate the opinions and knowledge on this forum and I've been reading a while. 

I am looking to move laterally from a 2-channel setup to a basic 5.1 surround setup, as my listening does involve TV and movies. Most of my sources are digital.

My current setup involves a sabaj d5 DAC, a Modwright SWL 9.0se preamp, Odyssey Khartago extreme monoblocks, and some excellent DIY 3-way speakers.

I couldn't be happier with this for two channel listening. 

In my research for multichannel pres/avrs, I heard most people saying that the only ones that sound really good for stereo are ones made by Classe, Krell and Bryston within my budget. I'm really hoping to simplify my setup and not have to use ht bypass, switch between two preamps etc.

I've made an offer for a Classe SSP sigma. Do you think this could potentially replace my Modwright without losing much SQ?

Thank you!
akhil
ghdprentice
6,794 posts
 
I have a great stereo system and great separate home theater system, also a large screen TV with high end sound bar in the bedroom. Obviously a separate system is preferred (a TV in the middle is usually acoustically bad)... I would personally add a really inexpensive surround system to the TV and keep separate if possible. For HT I am so distracted by the video, and the 3D sound effect so much an improvement over none that SQ is not nearly as important in that setting. However, you may have to for various reasons.

It has been a long time since I assembled my HT. It is composed of top of the line Meridian surround processor, 5 matching B&W 805s, 2 B&W 800 subwoofers, and a massive Rotel amp. It sounds great. If you are going to combine them, make sure the processor is as high end as possible and has a bipass. You don’t want your sign going through any digital processing. Good luck to you.
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thanks bwguy, I think I have the same plan and it's good to hear the Sigma is doing well for you.

ghdprentice, I live alone in a small 1 room house, and cannot justify keeping 2 separate systems :) Your theater setup looks great! I am trying to do exactly that, get the best sounding processor I can afford (Hence the Classe), that has analog passthrough.
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
222 posts
 
@jakesnap.   Actually the Classe uses a Wolfson 8741 chip.
dmcneilr's avatar
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dmcneilr
21 posts
 
I have a Classe Sigma SSP MKII as well. I had the same home theater + 2-ch hifi conundrum. I’m very satisfied with it. Is it my Aavik U-380 for 2-ch, no. It is however the best blend of both elements that I’ve found.  I would look for an SSP MKII or an earlier version that has been upgraded. I’ve had both and the MKII does home theater much more convincingly. Best of luck in your search…
vinylshadow
470 posts
 
YES.
I have a Classe SSP-800 and it is fantastic in 2 channel.
Read Robert Harley's 2008 review of the Classe SSP-800 and this review:hometheaterreview dot com/classe-ssp-800-av-preamp-reviewed/

However, my peripheral equipment is top of the charts so that is a contributing factor. But Classe makes fantastic processors.

I'd get an SSP-800 if you can. They are being sold for around $3000 or so on EBay. Best deal on the planet.
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